Write what you know. That’s a principle writer-director Sooni Taraporevala disagrees with. “If you only write what you know, you’d be writing about a little bubble,” she points out. Instead, she believes in writing about what she doesn’t know, what excites her. From this thought is born Waack Girls. Her maiden web series tells the story of six Kolkata women, who specialise in waacking, a street-dance style that originated in the US. “I didn’t know what waacking was till I saw Mekhola [Bose, lead actor] dance. I was inspired by her dance, and then had the idea of weaving a story around waacking,” starts Taraporevala of Salaam Bombay (1988) fame. Venturing into an unfamiliar territory meant the creator-director had to dive into intense research. “When you write about what you don’t know, you owe it to the subject to explore it fully. Talking to Mekhola was a start. The writers and I tried to get Kolkata right. My cameraperson and I scouted locations, finding the big houses, and capturing the city’s flavour. The next step was to get the girls’ stories right. Having six women dancing to disco music in an old house—[that juxtaposition] excited me.” Sooni Taraporevala At the core of this female-fronted show is women’s experiences. Was it hard to get the Prime Video show, led by Mekhola Bose and Rytasha Rathore, off the ground? Thankfully not, says Taraporevala. “It wasn’t a challenge, thanks to Aparna Purohit, who greenlit the development immediately, and then the current team who have been supportive throughout. I’m lucky that I get to make the stories I want to, exactly the way I want to. The audience is ready for it because there is space for every kind of story today.” So, does she believe things have changed for the better for women? As someone who has been in the industry for almost 40 years, she is optimistic about the change she has witnessed. “Yes, things have changed in urban India; probably not in rural India. But that’s the case, not just with women, but with so many things. We made Salaam Bombay in 1988, and we still have street kids today,” she emphasises. A still from Waack Girls For now though, she is happy to be able to bring a story about women’s empowerment to a wide audience. Even happier that she did it with six young female actors at the fore. Asked whether it was daunting to manage the eclectic cast, Taraporevala says, “Mira [Nair, friend and frequent collaborator] had given me one piece of advice before my [directorial] debut, Little Zizou [2008]. She had said, just love your actors. That was such good advice. I love all my actors. Rytasha was my most experienced actor, so she held it together on set. Most of my HoDs were women, and those who weren’t, were all allies. I hope the show will have an impact in terms of showing female friendships as wholesome and warm. Also, what kind of woman you can be. All six characters are very much themselves. Having the aspiration that you can be what you want to be [is so liberating].”
21 November,2024 07:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuActor Babil Khan is celebrating the first anniversary of his period streaming series ‘The Railway Men’. The actor essayed the role of Imad Riaz, a young loco pilot, whose contribution to the rescue operations in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy is unparalleled. Reflecting on the journey, Babil shared, “Working on ‘The Railway Men’ was an emotional journey for me. It wasn’t just acting, but a heartfelt homage to the real heroes who stood tall in the face of tragedy. Even one year later, I still carry the lessons it taught me. Collaborating with legends like Madhavan Sir and K.K. Menon Sir was a privilege—they taught me so much during the shoot”. His character in the series goes from being a Union Carbide worker to loco pilot at Bhopal Junction. The character’s transformation from innocence to bravery amidst the aftermath of the gas tragedy struck a chord with audiences, cementing Babil’s reputation as one of the industry’s brightest young talents. His raw depiction of grief and resilience brought depth to a story that continues to resonate with viewers. To prepare for the role, Babil dedicated himself to fully understanding his character's world. Sharing the details of his preparations, the actor said, "My main preparation involved mastering the Bhopali dialect and learning about life in 1984, particularly how workers and their families lived in the factory quarters”. He added, “I visited the actual site before the shoot to witness the tragedy's impact firsthand. Walking through the factory in daylight gave me chills. It was a humbling experience that deepened my respect for their resilience”. Meanwhile, on the work front, the actor has joined forces with ace filmmaker Shoojit Sircar for ‘The Umesh Chronicles’. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 November,2024 08:08 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSAryan Khan’s yet-to-be-titled Bollywood series will be released in 2025. Produced by Gauri Khan, the series marks Aryan Khan’s debut as a creator and director. The series will premiere on the streaming platform Netflix. About Aaryan Khan’s directorial debut Set against the backdrop of the film industry, Aryan Khan’s debut and this multi-genre project promises an unabashed, entertaining ride through the adventures of a charming, ambitious outsider navigating the glitzy yet tricky world of Bollywood. The series blends a high-stakes narrative with self-aware humour, featuring blockbuster cameos and larger-than-life characters for an unforgettable, tongue-in-cheek take on Indian cinema. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in) Aryan Khan reportedly wrapped up the shoot for his directorial project in May. His debut series, which began filming in June 2023, offers a look into the glamorous world of the Hindi film industry. The six-episode series reportedly features Lakshya and Bobby Deol in lead roles, with cameo appearances by Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh. Shah Rukh Khan reacts to the news Sharing his heartfelt thoughts on the announcement, Shah Rukh Khan says, “We are excited to present this new series with Netflix that offers a refreshing look into the glamorous cinematic world and what it takes to succeed as an outsider. It’s a unique narrative brought to life by Aryan, many passionate minds, and the team at Red Chillies Entertainment. This one’s going to be all heart, all hustle, and a whole lot of entertainment.” It’s a special day when a new story is being presented for the audience. Today is even more special as @RedChilliesEnt and Aryan Khan embark on their journey to showcase their new series on @NetflixIndia . Here’s to untamed story telling….controlled chaos…gutsy scenes and lots… pic.twitter.com/8v0eBzRZ6S — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) November 19, 2024 More about Aryan Khan Born on November 12, Aryan is the eldest son of Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan. He has two siblings, sister Suhana and brother AbRam. Aryan attended Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai for his early education and later went to Sevenoaks School in the UK. In 2020, he completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinematic Arts and Television Production from the University of Southern California. Aryan Khan launched D’Yavol X in April 2023, and within a year, the luxury brand has gained impressive popularity—recently seen on Ed Sheeran, who wore one of its denim jackets. Alongside his fashion line, Aryan also manages other ventures, including his vodka brand, D’Yavol. Both brands are part of his flagship global luxury label, Slab Ventures.
19 November,2024 07:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLisa Mishra and rapper Shah Rule’s podcast, Dish and That, had started off as most good things do—out of a shared passion. Two months on, the podcast is set to scale up. The singer-actor and Rule are converting Dish and That into a video series of the same name. The show, to be streamed on a leading OTT platform, will be everything that the podcast has been—two friends talking about music, food and pop culture. Mishra, who recently made her acting debut in Call Me Bae, is surprised to see how an idea that was born over a conversation with a friend has taken on a life of its own. “The idea of creating Dish and That with Shah was born on a trip to London earlier this year, where we realised that so many of our conversations are not just about music, but also about food and pop culture. These are the things that bring people together in a way nothing else can. We’re blending these worlds into one show that feels like an extension of our friendship,” she says. In each episode, they will explore unique culinary experiences, discuss trending topics, and create music on the fly. What will add to the variety show’s mood are their candid conversations. Mishra explains, “In every episode, we dive into a specific theme, kicking things off with London. People can expect a mix of segments where we chat about the latest in pop culture, dig into food that is inspired by our travels, and of course, talk about music. In future episodes, we’ll bring guests from music, food, and entertainment industries to share their stories and insight.”
19 November,2024 10:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuSurviving the entertainment industry is no easy feat. However, for Indian-born American actor Ankur Rathee, his three shows on Prime Video—Four More Shots Please, Made in Heaven, and Inside Edge—helped pave a path. While he hasn’t been able to use his education in dance school yet, Rathee believes that one day he will do the song and dance routine. “I started [my career] with musical theatre, which was my introduction to proper acting. Though Bollywood has migrated from that, I’m grateful for the opportunities that came my way,” shares the actor, who was once a finalist on Dance India Dance. Currently, Rathee is basking in the positive reaction to his performance in Reeta Sanyal. The Disney+ Hotstar series has him play a Haryanvi cop in the Adah Sharma-starrer. He was stumped with the casting initially, but a conversation with producer Rajeshwar Nair got him on board. “I asked him why he approached me for the role of an inspector. It is an unconventional choice. He said he wanted to work with me because I was unconventional. The common tropes of a cop have often been showcased in cinema. He thought I could bring a new flavour to the role. I was intrigued by his answer,” says the actor, as he found the character fun and challenging. Rathee, who always played characters with an urban background, was thrilled to play someone from the heartland. “Jai Vardhan [his character] has got Haryana roots like me. I actually made the mistake of preparing for my role, understanding the laws and legalities, their mannerisms, body language, and how to handle the gun. I did all that only to show up on set and realise that I prepped for the wrong genre. Reeta Sanyal is more in the fantastical and escapist space. We took liberties with the characters. It was a culture shock for me to pivot,” shares Rathee, admitting that he took time to surrender to the genre. While his journey in the industry hasn’t been easy, the actor says that “it shouldn’t be”. “It is a privilege to be here. It’s naïve to assume that just because you’re good at something, you should have an opportunity. Nepotism exists across many industries, not just in Hindi cinema. I believe along with being talented, you have to have a strong work ethic, be strategic, and have to be perseverant,” asserts Rathee.
19 November,2024 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Letty Mariam AbrahamPriyanka Chopra has proved yet again that she's a master of balancing work and personal life. The actress has got back to shoot after celebrating Diwali and Halloween. The actress, who is currently shooting for her series 'Citadel 2', has been keeping fans updated on her busy schedule through her Instagram Stories. The actress on Saturday gave fans a sneak peek into her "working Saturday" with a video from the 'Citadel 2' set. She also posted a selfie from her car, as she looked stylish in a black jacket. With her hair tied back and minimal makeup, she looked fresh yet fierce as she wrapped up another demanding day on set. On the professional front, Priyanka, who is currently busy filming the next season of her series 'Citadel' also has other exciting projects lined up, including 'Heads of State' alongside Idris Elba and John Cena, as well as a role as a 19th-century Caribbean pirate in 'The Bluff'. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 November,2024 08:34 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIActor Saqib Saleem, recently featured in the web series ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ speaks exclusively to mid-day.com about his role as Agent KD in the Raj and DK directorial. Saqib opens up about the love and appreciation he has received for his brief stint, bonding with co-actor Varun Dhawan, and his controversial absence from the trailer launch. How Saqib Saleem came on board to play Agent KD Saqib Saleem recalls the first time he spoke to Raj and DK when they offered him the role of Agent KD. “The only question I asked them was, ‘Why me?’. Raj sir looked at me and said, ‘Because nobody's thought of you like that’. I was given a very good written part and I just poured my heart into it.” Elaborating on his character, Saqib explained, “People call it the antagonist, the anti-hero, but I'd like to say that in my head, KD was his hero. He had reasons to do what he was doing. Why and who he was killing, and it was all motivated out of love. I'm just overwhelmed and very humbled and grateful for all the love that's coming my way. We all work for love, don't we? We all want validation from people. And I'm at that stage right now where maybe I needed this burst of energy.” Saqib Saleem on shaving his head for ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ While Saqib had his reservations to shave his head for the role, he went ahead with it, which eventually paid off. The actor recalled, “When I had gone and met them (Raj and DK) I had given them this idea that I think I should shave off my head and they jumped at it. I felt like they would have also wanted that though they never communicated it with me. But when it came to cutting my hair, I was very nervous because I'm the only male member in my family who has hair left now. Everybody else is bald (laughs).” Saqib Saleem on reports of a rift with the makers Saqib’s absence at the trailer led many to believe he was miffed with the makers. Sharing his stance on the same, he asserts, “There was a narrative that the makers wanted to give out and that narrative concealed the impact of my character. So, my being there would have been detrimental to that narrative.” “I always believe that it's very important for your work to come out and then you talk to people. Usually hum release se pehle prachar karte hain aur release hote hi holiday pe chale jate hain. I want to change that a little. I feel like it's better conversation post-release,” the actor concludes.
17 November,2024 08:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Oshin FernandesShweta Tripathi Sharma has a simple yardstick when it comes to choosing her roles— the further away the character is from her, the more excited she is about it. Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein’s Shikha, who is unsuspecting and helpless as her love story takes a dark turn, then fit perfectly in her pursuit of different roles. “I want my characters to be different from me, and from each other,” starts Tripathi, when we get on a call with her. The second season of the Netflix romantic thriller, also starring Tahir Raj Bhasin and Aanchal G Singgh, is readying for release two years after the opening edition became a sleeper hit. What made reprising the role of Shikha more tempting for Tripathi was that writer-director Sidharth Sengupta had turned her character around. “The show asks the question, ‘How far would you go for love?’ This season reveals a new side to Shikha as she decides to fight for her love. You will see a feminine and vulnerable side to my character, yet one that is fierce and determined. It’s an exciting balance,” she grins. In her 14-year career so far, the actor has explored the varied shades of romance through different stories—from the tender first love in Masaan (2015) to heartbreak in Made in Heaven. She places Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein high on her list for simultaneously exploring love and obsession through her and Singgh’s characters. She says, “I’ve explored anger, revenge, and resilience in my previous roles, but this story shows how love can sometimes consume you. It’s refreshing to play a character who is driven by pure passion rather than darkness. Playing her has given me the chance to tap into a vulnerability that I’ve wanted to show for a long time.”
16 November,2024 07:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuPrime Video today unveiled the highly anticipated spill-all trailer for its first-ever talk show, 'The Rana Daggubati Show'. Created and hosted by the charismatic Rana Daggubati and executively produced by him under the banner of Spirit Media, the unscripted Telugu Original series will feature a dazzling line-up of guests, including Dulquer Salmaan, Naga Chaitanya Akkineni, Nani, Rishab Shetty, Siddhu Jonnalagadda with Sreeleela, S.S. Rajamouli with Ram Gopal Varma, and many more over eight extremely entertaining episodes. Rana Daggubati's upcoming talk show to premiere on November 23 Prime Video shared a trailer for the upcoming talk show. The riveting trailer is a glimpse into 'The Rana Daggubati Show' that breaks the mould of conventional chat shows and gives the audience a tantalizing peek into the lives of their favorite stars. From spilling the tea with Dulquer to souping up cars with Naga Chaitanya, from baking wood-fired pizzas with Siddhu Jonnalagadda and Sree Leela to ambushing Rajamouli at his outdoor shoot location, the show and Rana bring out a never-seen-before side of his guests. The Rana Daggubati Show will premiere exclusively on Prime Video starting November 23 in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide, with new episodes dropping every Saturday. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) Rana Daggubati says this is not your ordinary talk show “The Rana Daggubati Show isn’t your ordinary talk show! It’s a highly entertaining and interactive window into the very real and unfiltered lives of celebrities who appear on the show. My connection with them and the industry is family-like and not merely professional, and that’s what makes our conversations and the time we spend engaged in commonly shared hobbies so much more fun and natural. It’s a one-of-a-kind hangout spot where celebrities can feel right at home and truly be their candid and authentic selves. In the show, just as in our day-to-day lives, we’re absorbed in creative collaborations, reminiscing memories over a cup of coffee or munching our favorite food, cracking jokes, and delving into the back stories behind some of the most memorable moments in our respective careers—that maybe only a handful of people in the world would know,” said Rana Daggubati, host, creator, and executive producer of the show.
15 November,2024 06:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent'Freedom at Midnight', directed by Nikkhil Advani, has just been released and is already receiving rave reviews from audiences. The political drama delves into the struggle for independence and highlights the contributions of historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Patel in shaping India's history. The series is inspired by and adapted from the acclaimed book of the same name by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins. The first season premiered today, November 15, 2024. Now streaming on Sony LIV, fans have taken to Twitter to share their views, with many hailing the show as a compelling and well-executed historical drama. Fans’ Twitter reaction of 'Freedom at Midnight' While sharing the review of the series, one wrote, “I am Watching #FreedomAtMidnight! What stood out for me was the fresh perspective on independence, the depth of characters, and a storyline that’s keeping it real and unbiased. Definitely a unique take on a political drama!” Just finished #FreedomAtMidnight, and I’m speechless. A beautifully crafted political drama that sheds light on the complexities of independence. Nikkhil Advani has delivered a masterpiece. Don’t miss this one pic.twitter.com/j9DVpfhCKu — Surbhi rathod (@SurbhiDeshpade9) November 15, 2024 “Watching #FreedomAtMidnight feels like stepping into 1947. From the set design to the music, everything about it transports you to the past. Such a gripping, immersive experience. Kudos to the team!” another user shared. A third user shared, “FreedomAtMidnight is a rare gem! The political nuances, the emotional depth, and the historical accuracy make it a standout show. Sony LIV has truly delivered something special.” Hey guys Finally got around to #FreedomAtMidnight on Sony LIV, Incredible acting from start to finish, and the soundtrack! Absolutely perfect for setting the tone. Impressed! pic.twitter.com/RYNeIqhfrv — सरला (@Sarla_Sungroya) November 15, 2024 Meanwhile by hailing the incredible acting of the cast an ‘impressed’ fan wrote, “Hey guys Finally got around to #FreedomAtMidnight on Sony LIV, Incredible acting from start to finish, and the soundtrack! Absolutely perfect for setting the tone. Impressed!” “Just finished watching #FreedomAtMidnight on Sony LIV, and I’m blown away by its compelling narrative, authentic portrayal of events, and the sheer brilliance of the performances—truly a masterpiece!” another one commented A comment reads, “Just finished #FreedomAtMidnight, and I’m speechless. A beautifully crafted political drama that sheds light on the complexities of independence. Nikkhil Advani has delivered a masterpiece. Don’t miss this one” Just finished #FreedomAtMidnight, and I’m speechless. A beautifully crafted political drama that sheds light on the complexities of independence. Nikkhil Advani has delivered a masterpiece. Don’t miss this one pic.twitter.com/j9DVpfhCKu — Surbhi rathod (@SurbhiDeshpade9) November 15, 2024 More about Freedom at Midnight In the series actor Sidhant Gupta stars as Jawaharlal Nehru, Chirag Vohra and Rajendra Chawla take on the roles of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel respectively.
15 November,2024 02:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhen Aarya was nominated at the International Emmy Awards 2021, co-creator Sandeep Modi had to skip the do. However, this time, he won’t miss it for the world. Modi will fly out to Los Angeles later this month as The Night Manager eyes the trophy for the Best Drama Series at the International Emmy Awards 2024, to be held on November 25. “I still remember the day we found out about the nomination. For 10 minutes, I was jumping out of excitement. After a bit, my daughter said, ‘Come papa, we have to play now.’ In that second, I was reminded that my kids and my family are my real treasure,” smiles the creator. Sandeep Modi Starring Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur and Sobhita Dhulipala, The Night Manager is an adaptation of Tom Hiddleston’s British show of the same name. With both the series germinating from John le Carre’s 1993 novel, Modi says it is the desi treatment that has lent the Hindi series its own identity. “Now, there is a lot of curiosity, respect and love for an Indian show at that level. It has taken us a decade to reach here; filmmakers like Mira Nair, Shekhar Kapur and others paved the way for us. The curve is beautiful because it started with local stories that resonate globally. Now, you see SS Rajamouli taking something hyper-local, a Telugu film [RRR, 2022], around the world. It’s reaching wider because it is pure to its roots. We have realised that we should be comfortable in our skin and make something deeply rooted [in our culture]; that will resonate. I made this adaptation of The Night Manager for India, for the people from Mumbai to Delhi, from Jabalpur to Kanpur. It’s a bonus that the West likes it. Our primary objective is to be honest to the world we know. The more we do that, the wider the story travels,” he states. Now is a good time to discuss the status of The Night Manager’s next season. Hiddleston has started filming the British spy thriller’s second instalment in the UK. “All of what John Le Carre wrote is part of season one. I think even the British team took a long time to figure out how to take a story like this ahead. They have cracked something, but it’s too early to talk about this. John le Carre’s family, Simon and Stephen [Cornwell], who own the rights, are leading its development. Whenever it happens, it can be exciting,” teases the creator. Is there a universe in the offing like the Russo Brothers are doing with Citadel? Even as Modi acknowledges that the scope of possibilities is wide, he says that the final call rests with the Le Carre family. “Since it all comes from the source material, the intent [of the way ahead] needs to come from the Le Carre family. Right now, they are very excited for us. They call The Night Manager the show that keeps giving. I think it’s the book that keeps giving. For an adaptation to be loved, not just across India, but across the world, and to be nominated is a huge deal. Whatever you do for the show, it gives back in a beautiful way.” Currently, Modi is in the midst of pre-production for his next, a Kartik Aaryan-led war drama backed by Karan Johar. Asked when it will go on floors, the director is guarded, only saying, “It’s an intensive project and will take its course. A journey has two parts: the destination you envision, and the unexpected paths that emerge along the way. Five years ago, I would never have predicted working on projects like Aarya and The Night Manager. I used to carry around 10 scripts, each representing a story I wanted to tell. But sometimes, the world presents a story, and you give it a try. This journey feels like flying a kite—you put your kite up in the air because you believe in it, but sometimes, the wiser choice is to trust the wind and see where it takes you rather than pushing against it.”
15 November,2024 09:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuADVERTISEMENT
